Yonkers: Saturday 1/12 Analysis
Best Bet: MELADY’S MONET (5th)
Spot Play: WESLYNN DANCER (8th)
FINAL 2018 MEET STATS: 528 - 1495 / $2,857.20
BEST BETS: 76 - 130 / $246.70
Race 1
(3) BLAYDE HANOVER returns from a failed try in Ohio, seems to fit this level well and Allard has sent out some live ones already in this young season. (1) CHEYENNE JEFFREY banked over $175K last year, primarily as a $40,000 claimer and he always gives a good accounting of himself from inside posts. (6) STOLEN CAR has also been good at this level and he has left hard from outside posts in the past.
Race 2
(3) BLAISE MM HANOVER was a good second versus better in his last start, like many of these was almost a month ago; gelding seems the most logical in here. (1) NORMANDY BEACH did not disgrace himself racing in the 4YO Opens recently and he returns locally into a softer field and lands the best post. (2) DOJEA SOLO doesn't win often enough to consider for the top spot but he will be close up throughout.
Race 3
(3) GUNPOWDER N raced very willingly here back in October in his first U.S. start for Tritton and I'm willing to just ignore that break last out at The Meadowlands. Import may fit well here. (1) PHIL YOUR BOOTS perked up against lesser in his last two at The Big M and he was facing better when last seen locally. (6) QUALITY CLOSER is a bit on the cheaper side but it's hard to ignore those last two blowout efforts at Monticello.
Race 4
(6) DON DOMINGO N made a very successful winning U.S. debut up at Monticello with Stratton there to drive; Lance Hudson trained import deserves a long look here. (5) SPORTSKEEPER was a game winner from a similar spot three back. (3) CHACHING HANOVER returns locally off a nice wakeup win at The Meadowlands and he's been competitive with this type in the past.
Race 5
(3) MELADY'S MONET is as classy as they come and has come back sharp from vacation; trotter will likely have his way with these. (1) CELEBRITY RUTH could not hack a two-move effort at the added distance last out but she recently added the hobbles which could play a role in her return to form. (5) WINGS OF ROYALTY has performed very well here in the past and has good speed which can put him in play.
Race 6
(5) AIR STRIKE is a killer once he clears the front, which he may well do again from this spot. This is a softer than usual Open which should make the transition from the 4-year-old ranks easier. (2) CHRISTEN ME N is certainly a logical one to include from this spot. (7) SICILY ships up from Dover where he's been racing great; can he leave for a seat from this spot?
Race 7
(2) BEYOND DELIGHT has been very good since moving into the Allard barn; he faces some tough ones in here but should offer the better price of the contenders. (1) BLATANTLY BEST gets class and post relief for his 2018 debut; big threat if ready. (4) GREAT VINTAGE also makes his seasonal debut facing softer and can absolutely never be overlooked.
Race 8
(3) WESLYNN DANCER raced very well to be second best in her last two, and that was a tough trip last out; she lands inside her main competition in this open draw and will be a big player here with smoother sailing. (5) MOSTINTERESTINGMAN broke last out after having taken two straight; Troy Beyer is back driving for the Bucci barn and take note how that duo fared in prior races over this past week. (4) ANDY RAY is a consistent check-earner and will come out of this event with good money.
Race 9
In a tough-to-figure affair with a couple of Down-under shippers, (3) MIGHTY MR SHARKEY N pretty much toured the track in his U.S debut from a tough spot at The Meadowlands but that should have served as a nice tightener. Watch the board. (1) KHUN RATHA A was a sharp winner for Team Stalbaum at Monti and we know that outfit does well with these imports. (2) CITY HALL runs hot and cold but his best effort makes him a player here.
Race 10
(1) LOCKTON LUCK A is another Lance Husdon import who performed admirably at Monticello; give him extra points if his stablemate raced well earlier on the card. (3) FRANCO RAYNER N may very well be camped out on the front end for Team Bongiorno but he needs to show more late. (2) SOHO WALLSTREET A has Bartlett and will be close to the action but he doesn't exactly have a stellar local win record.